How one store is coping with Gita business

Businesses have experienced brisk business from Gita financial assistance via the Red Cross and FEMA.

The presence of a large number of off island officials for the two organizations and ther federal partners has also provided a much needed boost for hotels , rental car companies, restaurants and stores.

KHJ News talked with one of the island’s biggest retailers, Neil’s Ace Homecenter in Malaeimi for an idea on how Gita assistance has impacted their business.

Store Manager Nadine Solofa Taufaasau said Ace has definitely seen the jump in sales, through Red Cross Client Assistance Cards, insurance claims through National Pacific Insurance and just very recently, the FEMA business in the way of building materials and electrical supplies.

Asked if the store is out of any supplies due to the surge in purchases, the manager said they are out of roofing iron right now.

The next shipment of roofing iron is due to arrive in the first week of April.

Ace furniture and appliance sales have also seen big spikes.

Other items which are moving fast are electronis.

Solofa Taufaasau said Ace is doing its best to keep up with the demand for  lumber and plywood, trying to meet ASG orders and that of individual customers.

She said “Our buyers are doing their best to keep up to date with stock levels, but we’re limited to what we can physically fit in our warehouse and lumberyard, but also trying to forecast what customers will actually buy.”

The Gita business has also resulted in longer hours for some employees,

Solofa Taufaasau says, “We are keeping staff on schedule longer than normal to accommodate the customers in store.”

She noted that cashiers are staying on the register later than usual to accommodate the end of day customers.